Play Shantae Online Free for Game Boy Color.
Shantae hits different when it boots instantly in your browser. Released on the Game Boy Color, this retro classic from its publisher is ready the second you press start — no downloads, no setup.
The video game follows the adventures of the titular half-genie Shantae as she travels across Sequin Land to thwart the domination plans of the evil lady pirate Risky Boots. Shantae is a 2002 platform video game developed by WayForward and originally published by Capcom for the Game Boy Color.
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| Action | Keyboard | Controller |
|---|---|---|
| D-Pad Up | ↑ | D-Pad up |
| D-Pad Down | ↓ | D-Pad down |
| D-Pad Left | ← | D-Pad left |
| D-Pad Right | → | D-Pad right |
| A | Z | Right face |
| B | X | Left face |
| Start | Enter | Start |
| Select | V | Select |
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The Story Behind Shantae
WayForward also announced that they would be releasing a port of the game for Nintendo Switch, both digitally and as a limited physical release from Limited Run. Versions for PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 were released on June 2, 2023. Her dances could also launch attacks and she had different outfits with different characteristics.
Shantae was digitally re-released by WayForward via the Nintendo 3DS Virtual Console on July 18, 2013. He and Erin pitched the game with help from veteran programmer Jimmy Huey, who worked with WayForward at the time. In the first four months of development, the team created most of the animation, and Huey programmed an art-capturing tool that could take full-colored animation frames, turn them into three-color chunks and reassemble the whole on the GBC's screen.
How Shantae Plays
The game also features various minigames, such as dancing or gambling, in order to earn additional gems. In order to progress through the game, Shantae must seek out various characters who will open up dungeons, with each dungeon containing a guardian genie that will teach Shantae a new dance. During nighttime, players can collect hidden fireflies, with a reward available for collecting them all.
Shantae must use these abilities to reach new areas or find hidden items. Shantae can also use gems obtained from defeated enemies to purchase items, such as life-restoring potions and damaging items with various uses, as well as learn upgraded combat moves. Shantae's default attack involves using her hair like a whip.
Why Players Still Load It Up
A new 2013 review for the re-release of the game on the Nintendo 3DS Virtual Console by Mike Mason claimed that the "2D platformer is sprinkled with enough genie-magic to keep it fresh and interesting for a modern audience." Shantae was nominated in several lists of the best Game Boy games. He added that the graphics and sound are "outstanding", although acknowledged some issues with the tiny screen of the Game Boy and overall lack of guidance in-game. Complex named it the 7th best GBC game in 2013, calling it a "solid platformer".
Because of the success of its sequels and its very positive critical reviews, as well as the short initial run of cartridges, Shantae has become one of the most sought-after and rare Game Boy Color games. GameSpot claimed it to be a "fine example" of a portable platformer, "firmly rooted in the traditional conventions of the [platform game] genre", and added that "one area that this game truly shines in is the animation", although they complained about the music being "simple" and "repetitive", with "bland" sound effects. Game Informers Ben Reeves called Shantae the 15th best Game Boy game and felt that it was overlooked.
Shantae — Frequently Asked Questions
Can I play Shantae online for free?
Yes — Shantae runs directly in your browser on this page. There is nothing to download or install; the game boots in the player above.
Do I need a controller to play Shantae?
A gamepad is optional. The keyboard mapping shown on this page works immediately, and plugging in a USB or Bluetooth controller switches the player over on its own.
Who developed Shantae?
Shantae was developed by its developer and published by its publisher.
Where can I buy the original Shantae?
Scroll to "Other Places You Can Get This Game" beneath the write-up — it lists trusted stores selling official copies.